In this episode, Aine Divine shares her insights on the creative process, focusing on how art can be cathartic and transformative. She discusses how following sparks of inspiration, surrendering to creative blocks, and fully occupying your body with movement all play a crucial role in producing meaningful work. Aine also explores the importance of listening to your inner voice, grounding yourself, and embracing the natural flow of creativity. Tune in for a deeper understanding of connecting with your art and body during the creative journey.

Imagine 5 days of JUST PAINTING—learning and rediscovering creativity with Aine Divine. Set in the inspiring Willow Room at Cockenzie House in Edingburgh, this summer school new ways of approaching watercolor, from embracing bold brushstrokes to painting live models. I’ll share the challenges, breakthroughs, and what I will be taking with me forward from this unforgettable experience. Don’t miss my explanation of Aine’s unique teaching style and what it means to truly let go and let intuitive creativity guide you!

In this episode, we explore what it means to be an artist and the journey of owning that title. Inspired by my own experiences and the story of a close friend, we dive into questions around identity, self-worth, and the desire for validation. I share insights on the distinction between “artist” and “professional artist,” as well as the armor we sometimes wear to feel secure in our creativity.

In this episode, I share my journey of how I first started making money with my art back in April 2023. From my first commissioned work with mothers in a Singapore-based WhatsApp community, to my first Etsy sale, and even launching a Kickstarter campaign, I reflect on the lessons I’ve learned about pricing, communicating with clients, and building a brand.

I also talk about how I’m now rebuilding my art business from scratch in the U.S. after moving and how I’m using my podcast, YouTube, and Instagram to build a new community. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m learning, and I want to encourage others who are also struggling to build their creative careers.

In this episode, I’m opening up and sharing more about who I am, my artistic journey, and why I decided to start this podcast. From my background in Japan, Germany, and now Washington, I reflect on how these places shaped me as both a parent and an artist. I also talk about the struggles I face as a creative, like the inner critic that often challenges me, and the joys that come with balancing art and motherhood. Join me as I share the story behind this podcast and the moments that inspired me to step into this new creative space.

In Episode 14 of Art, Parenthood, and Beyond, I’m  joined by myfriend and fellow artist, Eli, who she met through an Agnes Cecil watercolor workshop. Together, we discuss concept of artistic style—how it evolves, how to define it, and why it's more about exploration and experimentation than finding a set formula. Eli shares her thoughts on style being a natural yet practiced outcome and why continual experimentation is key to discovering what resonates. We discuss the different styles of well-known artists and how they too went through their own processes of finding and evolving their style.

In this episode, I open up about the challenges of rebuilding my online presence after relocating to Washington. I share how frustrating it was to face technical problems and how an encounter with a mourning bird unexpectedly helped me understand that sometimes, we need time to process and let go. In those vulnerable moments, I discovered that it's okay to start over. Painting became my therapeutic outlet, allowing me to heal and reconnect with my creativity. This episode is a reminder that healing and moving forward are personal processes, and it's okay to take things one step at a time.

In today's episode, I share the joyful yet challenging experience of doing origami with my three-year-old son. While waiting for our belongings to arrive from Munich, we bonded over folding delicate paper vehicles. This experience sparked not only joy but also valuable lessons about patience and the importance of pushing through artistic challenges. As I navigated the frustrations of origami, I reflected on how similar challenges appear in my artistic journey. Tune in to explore how persistence, balance, and enjoyment shape our creativity.

In the latest episode of Art, Parenthood and Beyond, I dive deep into the delicate balance of navigating life’s changes as both an artist and a parent. My recent move from Munich to Washington has opened my eyes to the emotional complexities we face when switching between our creative and administrative selves. I discuss practical strategies that have helped me ease these transitions, allowing my creativity to flourish even amidst the chaos of daily life.

Opening up about something personal, like my past suicidal thoughts, is never easy. But when I did, my friend responded in a way I didn’t expect—with a practical tool to help in moments of emotional overwhelm: spicy candy. Her advice reminded me how vulnerability can lead to the most unexpected forms of support. It’s in these moments that we realize the strength in letting others in.

What if today was the last time you biked through your favorite street, painted in your cozy home studio, or shared a laugh with a close friend? Would you notice the beauty youI’d been missing? In this episode of Art, Parenthood, and Beyond, I’m diving into how ‘noticing’ the small, everyday moments transforms not just my creativity, but my experience of life. Inspired by my move from Germany to Washington, I’ll share how this 'last time' mentality has helped me appreciate the beauty of the world around me and bring it into my art. Join me as I talk through how this mindset can help you fuel your creativity too.

In this episode of Art, Parenthood, and Beyond, I reflect on how my childhood fears shaped the way I parented my son and how painting helped me uncover these emotions. Through a specific artwork titled Womb, I realized my son is more capable than I initially believed, and this journey taught me the balance between protecting him and giving him the space to grow.

I also explore how our art can reflect deep emotions we may not even be aware of. Tune in for insights on both parenting and the creative process!

In this episode of Art, Parenthood and Beyond, I dive into the challenges of balancing motherhood with my personal creativity. I share a personal story that highlights the guilt I often feel when pursuing my artistic passions. Drawing on research, I reveal how taking time for my creative outlets is essential not only for my well-being but also for my family’s happiness. Join me as I explore how to embrace my creativity without guilt and become a more fulfilled parent.

In this episode of Art, Parenthood and Beyond, I share my experience of giving away 56 paintings on the streets of Munich as a way to discover what kind of art people truly want. This bold experiment revealed surprising insights about my work, challenged my internal critic, and ultimately helped me reconnect with the joy of painting. Join me as I reflect on the lessons learned from this unique adventure, including the importance of letting go of insecurities and focusing on what brings me joy as an artist.

In this episode of Art, Parenthood and Beyond, I reflect on the surreal experience of early parenthood, from sleep-deprived nights to the mesmerizing gaze of my newborn. Through a mix of humor and heartfelt stories, I share how my son’s wide-eyed wonder not only deepened our bond but also inspired my artistry in ways I never expected.

In Episode 4 of Art, Parenthood and Beyond, I share a surprising moment when my son showed unexpected empathy and how it deepened our bond and inspired my art. I also explore how parenthood and creativity influence each other, inviting you to reflect on your own experiences.

In this episode, I explore the urgency of creating when inspiration strikes and reflect on whether great art must come from pain or if joy and beauty hold equal power. I share the story behind a painting inspired by a friend's heartbreaking experience and discuss creating from raw emotion.

In this episode, How Can I Protect You? Exploring Parenthood's Challenging Feelings, I reflect on the bittersweet emotions of parenthood and how creative expression helps me navigate them. Join me as I explore how challenges deepen our appreciation for joy, and ask yourself: How do the struggles in your life help you see its joyful moments?

In this episode of Art, Parenthood, and Beyond, I share my journey of overcoming a two-week creative block, offering practical strategies like embracing playfulness and revisiting what I love. I also discuss insights from artists and reference two books that helped me through: Get Unstuck: Creative Block Discover Ideas by Danielle Krysa and The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin.